Report launch: Equimundo’s State of the World’s Fathers 2026

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May 2026 – A new global report from Equimundo reveals that fathers care more than ever, but caring has never been harder. Based on insights from 8,000 parents and caregivers across 16 countries, Equimundo’s State of the World’s Fathers 2026: Stretched to the Breaking Point highlights a growing global care crisis, with families facing mounting financial pressure, limited workplace support, and unsustainable caregiving demands.

The findings reveal that while fathers increasingly want to be active and equal caregivers, economic insecurity and outdated systems are pushing families to the brink.

Around the world men are doing more of the care work and finding meaning and happiness in doing so. But the data also tell us that families everywhere face enormous challenges to provide basic care. It’s time for men to join women to demand and advocate for the care services we all need.” Gary Barker, Founder and CEO of Equimundo

Key findings:

• Half of fathers have taken on second or third jobs to make ends meet
• Over 60 percent regularly work overtime to survive
• One in four fathers have refinanced or sold their homes to cover care costs
• Three in four fathers lose sleep over their financial future
• More than half of parents have had to dip into emergency savings
• 87 percent of fathers say time with their newborns brings health and happiness
• Nine in ten parents say caring for children and loved ones is one of the most enjoyable parts of their lives
• Over 64 percent of fathers say they would support higher taxes for expanded public care services
• Nearly half of fathers believe men who stay home full-time with children are “not real men”

Amid the strain, parents are calling for change:

• More than half of parents say political action on care matters to them
• Fathers increasingly value caregiving as much as paid work
• Parents across the globe want stronger public investment in care systems and workplace support

“The report makes clear that this is not a crisis of willingness to care – it is a crisis of support,” said Gary Barker. “Families are making enormous sacrifices every day to care for children and loved ones. Care matters deeply to people everywhere, and societies must start treating it that way.”

About the report:

Equimundo’s State of the World’s Fathers 2026: Stretched to the Breaking Point is based on research with 8,000 parents and caregivers across 16 countries, including 400 in-depth interviews. Produced by Equimundo, the report examines the realities of caregiving, masculinity, economic insecurity, and family wellbeing around the world. It is one of the only global studies focused on men’s involvement in parenting and care work.

Read the full report here. 

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